103rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry

The 103rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry was formed in August and September 1862 primarily from Cuyahoga, Lorain and Medina Counties, in Ohio, under the command of ColonelJohn Casement. Major battles in which the 103rd served were Blue Springs TN, Siege ofKnoxville TN, Dandridge TN, Resaca GA, Kenesaw Mountain GA, Siege of AtlantaGA and Spring Hill TN.

After the war, the 103rd, as did so many Civil War Units, began to hold annual reunions each August, at various places, usually the farm of one of the veterans. As time went on, the veterans realized that they needed a more permanent location where the reunionscould take place. With this in mind the veterans purchased a piece of land in 1907 on the shores of Lake Erie in Sheffield Lake, Ohio. The veterans realized, also, that if the organization was going to survive, families would have to be included, and the Sons and Daughters of the 103rd O.V.I. was formed.

Originally, the grounds were laid out as a military campgrounds, with tents, but eventually, permanent buildings were erected. These included a Mess Hall, Dance Hall and Barracks. These were joined later by individual cottages.

Today, the 103rd O.V.I. exists as a Memorial to our ancestors. Our annual reunions bring members from all over the United States each August to renew friendships and catch up on the latest news. Some members reside year round on the property, while others visit to use the grounds and facilities. Membership is open to anyone who can prove lineal descent from any of the soldiers of the 103rd O.V.I.

The 103rd Ohio Voluntary Infantry now maintains its own website at http://www.103ovi.org Contact Bill King to learn more about this facility and the 103rd OVI Museum.